What happens if someone dies without a will in Ontario

This page is a public educational walkthrough. It is not a retainer, a court form, or a promise about your result. For legal advice, you should contact an appropriate Lawyer or Paralegal specializing in the area of law you need assistance with.

1. The Succession Law Reform Act sets who inherits

   It is not “whoever paid the funeral.”

2. Someone still has to administer the estate

   That often needs a certificate of appointment from the Superior Court. Use the current estate forms under Court Forms.

3. Joint assets and designated beneficiaries can pass outside the will rules

   Those still matter when there is no will. Banks will ask for documents.

Official law on this site: wills-estates-ontario.

Disclaimer: Know The Law publishes legal information for the public, not legal advice. Court forms, fees and filing channels change. Read the official statute text and the official form page linked from this guide before you act. We do not represent you and we do not file documents for you. For legal advice, you should contact an appropriate Lawyer or Paralegal specializing in the area of law you need assistance with.